Kim Hellberg hails 'unbelievable' Middlesbrough FC despite late Bristol City leveller
Middlesbrough head coach Kim Hellberg hailed his side’s performance against Bristol City as “unbelievable” - despite the Robins’ late leveller.
A 65th-minute Leo Castledine goal fired Middlesbrough into the lead at the Riverside, seemingly putting the Championship promotion hopefuls on course for victory.
However, their difficulties on home turf continued. Adam Randell levelled proceedings six minutes into stoppage time, breaking Boro hearts.
Hellberg did not allow himself to be beaten down by the equaliser and was full of praise for his players post-match.
Kim Hellberg reflects
He said: “I’m happy about the performance, I think it was an unbelievable performance again. Unbelievable from the players – how we play, how we act, how we create chances.
“It was a top performance, but of course it’s tough if you don’t kill the game off, there can be an opportunity for a team that maybe have their first chance to score in 95 minutes. That was the disappointment, but again, if you look at the performance, you are looking at a team that have played very good football.
“Of course, it hurts to concede when we did, but in my role, you have to look at the performance and the things we are doing well. I think that the way we play is the most important thing to talk about.
“I know the result, at 1-1, is a disappointment now. It’s a team we haven’t beaten in a long time – we struggle a lot with this team – but I think the way we play, creating chances, being brave, is very impressive.
“I think it is stronger for me to tell you that when we have not won. I think we are a hell of a good football team, and I am so impressed by it.”
Gerhard Struber’s view
Bristol City boss Gerhard Struber, meanwhile, said: “It’s a special point. Being resilient was how the boys were committed to the match plan. We had a deeper block and were waiting for the transition moments, and that was exactly what we talked about before the game.
“Especially in the first half, we did a great job with our organisation and didn’t give them the space they like. We had better transitions in the second half and in the end, we scored a goal.
“We believed something could happen. It was really late, but I would say it was well deserved for the resilience, discipline and the big effort we left on the field.
“It was big team work from us, and we have stopped the bad run. It feels like a bit of a release.”